2 charged in 'pigeon drop' scam

TAKOMA PARK, Md. (WUSA9) -- Police have arrested two suspects in connection to a new scam known as "the flim flam" or "pigeon drop" scam.

Consuelo Ann Green, 39, and Sharon Denise Erickson, 51, have been charged with 'Conspiracy to Commit Theft and Theft Scheme'.

A victim in this scam recognized one of the suspects in a car on December 30 at the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue. When Police arrived, they also found money bags inside the car filled with what looked like a large amount of cash, police said.

In the scam, the victim said that Green had approached her, showed her a brown bag filled with money and said that she would give her half the money if she gave her her bank information. Erickson showed up and acted as though she did not know Green. The victim was then told to go to the bank, and withdraw money to give to them. Before the victim could give that money, police arrived.

Officials say this scam is spreading along Maryland, Washington, D.C., and as far north as New York, with possible links to California.

If you think you have been a victim in this scam, call Police at 301-270-1100.